Savannah man pleads guilty in 2022 ‘intentional’ hit-and-run death of 17-year-old, avoids potential life sentence

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah man charged in connection with a 2022 hit-and-run that left a 17-year-old dead has entered a negotiated guilty plea, avoiding a potential life sentence.

Isaac Omare Gibbs pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and homicide by vehicle in the first degree in connection to the December 8, 2022, incident.

Charges of malice murder and felony murder were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

According to previous police reports, officers responded around 9:10 a.m. to the 11400 block of Colleen Drive, where 17-year-old Isaac Bunton had been struck by a vehicle.

He was taken to the hospital, where he later died. The driver fled the scene but was located later that day by officers and identified as Isaac Gibbs.

An indictment later accused Gibbs of intentionally hitting Bunton with his vehicle.

This month, Gibbs said he was guilty in Judge Colbert’s courtroom.

Under the terms of the plea, Gibbs was sentenced to 15 years to serve, with an additional 10 years of probation for the aggravated assault charge to run concurrently. He was given credit for time already served.

So he will serve his prison sentence before his probation starts.

As part of his sentence, Gibbs is prohibited from contacting the victim’s family or harassing or threatening any person.

He is required to undergo mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and a clinical evaluation. He is not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs, be around others who are using them, or go to establishments that serve alcohol.

He was transferred to prison this past Friday, the 27th. According to Georgia Dept. of Corrections, his max possible release date is 12/07/2037.

Gibbs is also prohibited from operating any motor vehicle. He cannot possess a firearm, live in a residence where firearms are present, or be in a vehicle with anyone who has a gun.

Because he is considered a repeat offender, Gibbs was not eligible for first offender status.

Without the negotiated plea, he could have faced a maximum sentence of life in prison plus 35 years.

According to the victim’s obituary, Bunton was born and raised in Savannah and was remembered as a young man of faith who loved music and brought comfort to those around him.

A GoFundMe created by his family described him as a son whose life was taken too soon and asked for help covering funeral expenses after what they called a devastating loss by an angry neighbor.

Gibbs has since filed for a new trial.